Ilene V. Kanoff
ABSTRACT
User participation in developing application systems has evolved rapidly over the past ten years. The user's role has changed from a passive one, with little or no involvement in data processing and computer technology, to that of an active partner in designing and successfully implementing a system. In this paper, the authors examine the changing extent of user involvement, the effect of this involvement on user and data processing organizational structures and systems development techniques, and the outlook for the future. By exploring the pros and cons of this expanded interaction between user and data processing personnel, the authors show that, for the most part, this symbiotic relationship benefits both the institution and the quality and success of the application systems.
The authors cite past and present experiences of users and data processing professionals in application systems development. The authors themselves have recently worked on a joint application system development project.
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Index Terms
- The changing role of the user in application systems development
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